Athlon: (Really) Early Big Ten fooball predictions for 2017.

Saunders

Saunders

Heisman Trophy Winner
2. Nebraska

Projecting the order between the next three teams – Iowa, Nebraska and Northwestern – is impossible prior to spring ball. There’s very little separation among those three programs, so some shuffling is likely in order prior to offseason practices. For now, let’s give the edge to Mike Riley’s Cornhuskers. One advantage Nebraska could have over Northwestern and Iowa is both teams must visit Lincoln, and the Cornhuskers catch Rutgers in crossover play. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong and receiver Jordan Westerkamp are the biggest losses on offense. Coordinator Danny Langsdorf has a couple of intriguing options to replace Armstrong under center, including Tulane transfer Tanner Lee and redshirt freshman Patrick O’Brien.

Until a quarterback emerges, expect Langsdorf to lean heavily on the ground game, which is headlined by Devine Ozigbo, Mikale Wilbon and Tre Bryant. New coordinator Bob Diaco will implement a 3-4 approach on defense. The transition comes at a good time for Nebraska’s defense, as this unit struggled to get to the quarterback in 2016 and allowed 38 or more points in three out of the final five games. Cornerback Chris Jones, linebacker Dedrick Young and end Freedom Akinmoladun are three of the top returning players on defense for Diaco to build around this spring.

http://athlonsports.com/college-football/early-big-ten-football-predictions-2017
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The article ranks NU, Iowa, NW as basically equal. If our QB play works out a lot better than this year and the switch to 3-4 pans out, I think we can win the West division.

We'll be better at OL, we have a good receiving crew, and I think we'll be better at RB with the emergence of Bryant to compliment Oz.

I was pretty bummed out after the way we ended the season, but this move to a 3-4 tells me that MR feels the need to pull out all of the stops and win the division next year.

We were so close to winning at Wisc last year, I think we can turn the tide with improved QB and OL play. Our challenge to get on top will be from

the cross over games - OSU, PSU. We need to go at least 1-1 to win the div. IMHO. The way Iowa beat us this year - I see it as more of a fluke - good motivated play by them

while our team seemed to have zero motivation. I see a new D & QB turning that game around next year.

 
Kind of almost feels like last year. Can one of those teams (Iowa, Northwestern or Nebraska) emerge as a clear #2 behind Wisconsin? Just like last year tons of 'what if's when it comes to how things are going to pan out.

 
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TGHusker said:
The article ranks NU, Iowa, NW as basically equal. If our QB play works out a lot better than this year and the switch to 3-4 pans out, I think we can win the West division.

We'll be better at OL, we have a good receiving crew, and I think we'll be better at RB with the emergence of Bryant to compliment Oz.

I was pretty bummed out after the way we ended the season, but this move to a 3-4 tells me that MR feels the need to pull out all of the stops and win the division next year.

We were so close to winning at Wisc last year, I think we can turn the tide with improved QB and OL play. Our challenge to get on top will be from

the cross over games - OSU, PSU. We need to go at least 1-1 to win the div. IMHO. The way Iowa beat us this year - I see it as more of a fluke - good motivated play by them

while our team seemed to have zero motivation. I see a new D & QB turning that game around next year.
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Agree

 
I'm worried about a system change on defense. It's one thing to bring in a new coordinator, but it's a whole new defense they have to learn. I'm also not sure that we have the personnel yet to run an effective 3-4.

 
STL Husker said:
I'm worried about a system change on defense. It's one thing to bring in a new coordinator, but it's a whole new defense they have to learn. I'm also not sure that we have the personnel yet to run an effective 3-4.
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I think many of us are, and rightly so. Nebraska's front seven has been relatively lackluster in recent seasons, particularly at the linebacker spot, and that's where you have to excel in the 3-4.

The positivity I'm hanging onto is that perhaps Diaco does a better job getting them to execute their fundamentals and play within the scheme. It'll still be football at the end of the day.

 
STL Husker said:
I'm worried about a system change on defense. It's one thing to bring in a new coordinator, but it's a whole new defense they have to learn. I'm also not sure that we have the personnel yet to run an effective 3-4.
Click to expand...
I wonder if it will be a defense the coaches simplify for the players this year. By no mean will it be a 'high school' defense, but rather a defense that the players can understand and adapt to. This way we will see more players wanting to make plays and knowing where they need to be on the field.

 
We are winning the West this year. Wisconsin, Iowa, Northwestern can all not bother coming to Lincoln. They all fall hard in Memorial.

 
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